Stratton - Karsteter Funeral
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Versailles Indiana
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Obituaries
for Year 2016
James “Jim” Branson, 83, of Versailles passed away at 1:57pm Monday, December 26, 2016 at his home. He was born at Viper in Perry County, Kentucky on March 30, 1933 the son of Samp and Altis Turner Branson. He was married to June DeBurger on June 28, 1958 and she survives. Other survivors include five daughters Susanne (Dan) Ketchum, Vicky (Larry) Hensley, Linda (Mark) Quicksall, all of Versailles, Mary (Ted) Norman of Batesville, and Tracy Branson and her fiancé Dave Benham also of Versailles; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers Roger (Nancy) Branson of Connersville and Billy (Connie) Grigsby on Fairborn, Ohio; five sisters Eva (Dale) Combs of Franklin, Ohio, Evola (Bill) House of New Albany, Ada (Larry) McIntyre of Queensville, Vada Browne of New Washington, and Teresa (Daniel) Bowman of North Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Jean Grigsby and Betty Brashear, and his brothers Kenneth and Oliver Branson. Mr. Branson was a veteran of the Korean War where he served with the US Navy on the USS Guadalupe. For service to his country Jim received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life Jim had been employed with US Shoe in Osgood, the Versailles State Park, and had worked in maintenance at the Ripley County Court House, as well as doing maintenance at the Tyson and Colonial Manors. His main occupation though was that of a self-employed carpenter. Jim was also an accomplished musician not only having written songs, but was a member of the Hoosier Hills bluegrass band and also the Shady Valley bluegrass band. He was also an avid bowler and was the “promoter” for his pride and joy, his daughters singing group The Branson Sisters. Jim was a faithful member of the Shelby Christian Church where he had served as an elder. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 30th at 11am at the Shelby Christian Church with Bro. Tim Heim officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church, St. Jude’s, or Wounded Warriors in care of the funeral home.
Zuella McNew, 93, of Lawrenceburg, formerly of Holton passed away at 11pm, Sunday, December 25, 2016 at the home of her daughter in Aurora. She was born in the Hopewell community near Holton on June 23, 1923 the daughter of Golden and Velma Waters Hull. She was married to Robert McNew on April 17, 1949 and he preceded her in death on November 8, 2011. Survivors include one son Marvin (Sue) McNew of Holton; three daughters Marlene (Steve) Hedrick of Batesville, Kathy Jones of Lawrenceburg, and Gail Dicus of Aurora; 13 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 7 step-great-grandchildren; one sister Gloria Kitley of Indianapolis. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter Crystal Dicus, great-granddaughter Emily Huntington, her brothers Keith, Wayne, and Delmar Hull, and her sister Phyllis Shaw. Mrs. McNew was a 1941 graduate of Holton High School and after high school Zuella worked as a sales clerk at L. S. Ayres in Indianapolis. Her hobbies included gardening and baking and her children spoke that her specialty was her buttermilk cake with caramel icing. At one time she also made and sold candy out of her home and did upholstering. She also played the guitar, piano and sang, and in the 40’s while living in Indianapolis actually recorded a record to the music of Madame Butterfly. Zuella was an 80 year member of the Hopewell Baptist Church where she helped serve many funeral meals and was also a member of the Hopewell Homemakers club. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 31st at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Ty Choate officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church or St. Jude’s in care of the funeral home.
Ina Sininger, 95, of Osgood passed away at 5:45pm, Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Bradford Place in Hamilton, Ohio. She was born near New Marion on February 27, 1921 the daughter of Emmett and Grace Caster Robinson. She was married to Floyd Sininger on July 15, 1950 and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1993. Survivors include one son Steven (Shirley) Sininger of Hamilton, Ohio; one daughter Patricia (Gary) Waltner of Charleston, South Carolina; four grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Arza Robinson, and her sisters Edith Benham and Alta Diem. Mrs. Sininger was a homemaker and enjoyed doing needlework. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 28th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Napoleon. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 1pm until time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Relay for Life in care of the funeral home.
Martha A. Dilk, 84, of Versailles passed away Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born near Versailles on April 18, 1932 the daughter of Fred and Sophia Wichmann Boekankamp. She was married to Delbert Dilk on November 17, 1951 and he preceded her in death on January 25, 2005. Survivors include two daughters Betty Wirtz and Sandra Howlett both of Versailles; three grandchildren Chris (Bobbie) Howlett of Milan, Karen (Eric) Hubbard of Osgood, and Jeffery Wirtz of Versailles; two great-grandchildren Conner Hubbard and Anna Hubbard; one brother Paul Boekankamp of Indianapolis; and also Martha’s twin sister Mary (Harold) Koehler of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Harold Boekankamp, and her sisters Josephine Wiefering, Wilma Schwanholt, and Elizabeth Brenner. Mrs. Dilk was a 1951 graduate of Versailles High School. She was a former employee of Delta Faucet in Greensburg, the Delaney Wood Heel Factory in Versailles, Conn Organ in Madison, and the Jefferson Proving Ground. Martha’s hobbies included reading and playing cards. Her family spoke that her favorite thing though was watching IU basketball and everything stopped when the Hoosiers were on. Martha was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 22nd at 11am at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Curtis Black officiating. Burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery at Olean. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to St. Peters Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
John Stevens Boyken 74 of Cross Plains passed away Sunday December 4. 2016 at his home in Cross Plains . He was born August 23. 1944 in Owensburg Kentucky. The first born of John J.and Ruth Ellen Shocklee Boyken. He has a sister Sharon and a brother Jerry . He leaves his wife Sara Brown Boyken and three sons. John (Camille) Boyken of Cross Plains . Jason (Sue) Boyken of Divide Colorado . Jared (Carla ) Boyken of Cross Plains ,Grandchildren JC, Sarah ,Dani ,Ethan and Sophia . A memorial will be held at a later date.
James E. Noble, 74, of Versailles passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born in Cincinnati on November 29, 1942 the son of Ervin and Geraldine Sharp Noble. Survivors include his companion of ten years Carrie Ruth Noble; his son David Noble and his daughter Kelly Noble; four step-children, and his cousins Geneva Weiland of Osgood and Charles Begley of Lawrenceburg. Mr. Noble was a graduate of Western Hills High School in Cincinnati and was a former employee of Ever Dry Waterproofing in Cincinnati. James’ wishes were to be cremated and there will be no services. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of arrangements
Scott Allen Manis, Sr., 50, of Osgood passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at his home. He was born at Covington, Kentucky on September 11, 1966 the son of Donzell and Betty Huff Manis. Survivors include his companion and wife of 25 years Molly Clift Manis; one son Scott (Felisha Gregory) Manis, Jr. of Osgood and two daughter's Kelly Manis of Newport, Kentucky and Chrystal (Brad Yeager) Bushorn of Batesville; 4 grandchildren Elaney McGuire, Evan Yeager, Noelin Manis, and Novah Eaton; two sisters Karla (Greg) Campbell of Aurora and Donna (Mitch) Davis of Milan; two brothers Troy (Kim) Manis of Moores Hill and Donny Manis of Milan. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his granddaughter Ella Rose McGuire. Mr. Manis attended South Dearborn High School with the class of 1985 and graduated from the Greensburg Christian Academy. Scott was a boilermaker and a member of Local 374. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and camping and he had developed a talent in forging steel and metal. His biggest talent though was joking and making people laugh. Scott also enjoyed doting on his four grandchildren. Funeral services for Scott will be held on Friday, December 9th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Mark Vice of the New Point Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be Friday from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.
Florence F. Cizek, 92, of Versailles passed away at 5:30am Monday, December 5, 2016 at her home. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 1, 1924 the daughter of John and Josephine Matia Nicosia. She was married to Norman Cizek and he preceded her in death. Survivors include one son David Cizek of Versailles; three daughters Marjorie Martin of Versailles, Lucille Halvorsen of Elgin, Illinois, and Patty Harris of Braidwood, Illinois; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother John Nicosia of Chicago. Mrs. Cizek was a homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her family including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family said she was an excellent cook with her specialty being Italian dishes. Florence’s wishes were to be cremated and there will be no services. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of arrangements.
Helen Peck, 95, of Versailles passed away at 10am, Friday, December 2, 2016 at her home. She was born near Elrod on May 7, 1921 the daughter of Chris and Pauline Hallforth Voss. She was married to Willis Peck on June 24, 1939 and he preceded her in death on May 18, 2002. Survivors include two daughters Donna (Dwight) Hooton of Versailles, and Linda (Don) Lostutter of Hanover; one son George (Julie) Peck of Greensburg; 10 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Estol Voss and Don Voss. Mrs. Peck was a 1939 graduate of Milan High School. She was employed with Ripley Publishing in Versailles for 23 years where she served as Editor of the Osgood Journal. She also worked for 13 years as an administrator for the Ripley County Red Cross. Helen was a 71 year member of the Versailles Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, held many offices, participated in the Shining Lights social group, and was a member of the ABWM. She was a 52 year member of the Osgood-Versailles Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the local home economics club, and a member of the Versailles-Osgood Wednesday afternoon bridge club. Helen was a charter member of Chi Phi Gamma, a scholastic sorority of Milan High School. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 6th at 10:30am at the Versailles Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Sinai Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30am until time of services Tuesday at the church. The Eastern Star will conduct services Monday at 7pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Russell A. Peace, 90, of Osgood passed away at 4:05pm Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Heritage House in Greensburg. He was born near Colmar in Bell County, Kentucky on January 22, 1926 the son of Oakley and Rhoda Poynter Peace. He was married to Ethel Hatfield on March 21, 1948 and his wife of 68 years survives. Other survivors include three daughters Doris (Mike) Stephens of Versailles, and Nancy Truesdel, and Angie (Phil) Kimbrell both of Cross Plains; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; son-in-law Gary Milam of Memphis, Tennessee, and a special nephew Wayne (Barbara) Peace of Osgood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Barbara Milam, his brother Joseph Peace, and his sisters Ruby Poynter and Jewell Hatfield. Mr. Peace was an Army veteran of WWII where he served in the 774th Tank Battalion in Central Europe. He was honorably discharged on May 16, 1947 and for service to his country Mr. Peace received the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with one Bronze Star, and the Army Occupation of Germany Medal. In civilian life Mr. & Mrs. Peace built and operated the Country Bait Shop which was located at the Wye in Versailles. They also operated the Cedar Creek Fish Hatchery at their home where they sold several species of fish both commercially and locally. Russell was inspirational in the building of the First Southern Baptist Church in Versailles where he and Ethel were charter members in 1968. Their favorite mission though was Peace’s Appalachian Children’s Fund where they collected Christmas items for kids in the southeastern part of Kentucky. Russell was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Osgood. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 2nd at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Dennis Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Osgood Fire Department or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Elsie June Hurelbrink, 88, of Versailles passed away at 6:15pm Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born at Batesville on June 28, 1928 the daughter of William Firsich and Elsie Kessens Firsich Enzinger. She was married to Robert Hurelbrink on April 21, 1951 and her husband of 65 years survives. Other survivors include two daughters Barbara (Ross) Peabody of Greenwood and Diana Hurelbrink of Cincinnati; four grandchildren Ashley Peabody of Indianapolis, Andrew (Megan) Peabody of Nashville, Tennessee, Robert (Rachel) Watka and Jessica (Stacy Smith) Watka both of Cincinnati; two great-grandchildren Emilia and Charles Watka. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers William and Walter Firsich, and her sister Annabelle Vreeland. Mrs. Hurelbrink was a 1946 graduate of Batesville High School and attended beautician college in Cincinnati. She was a homemaker and for several years operated a beauty shop in Batesville. Her favorite things to do besides doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren included ceramics, upholstering with her sister-in-law Irma and niece Phyllis, gardening, and sewing. June was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Olean where she participated in quilting and making baby blankets with the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Correct Homemakers club. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1st at 11am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor Curtis Black officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.
Judith Ann Dunagan, 76, of Osgood passed away at 5:30pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at her home. She was born at Bethel, Ohio on October 6, 1940 the daughter of Kenneth and Sylvia Davis Peak. She was married to Farris Dunagan on April 5, 1969 and he survives. Other survivors include one sister Linda Seals of Crothersville. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James Peak. Mrs. Dunagan was a 1958 graduate of Crothersville High School. She had worked as a cook at the Osgood Grub Company and also at the Osgood American Legion. Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 18th at 11am at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Delmar N. Cox, 85, of Holton passed away at 8:30pm Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the University Hospital in Louisville. He was born in the Hopewell Community near Holton on March 30, 1931 the son of Willard and Lucy Cumberworth Cox. He was married to Pearl Thompson on November 18, 1950 and she preceded him in death on May 22, 2007. Survivors include one son Doug (Myrna) Cox of Holton; two grandchildren Chris Cox of Holton and Kassey Odneal of Steelville, Missouri; one great-grandson Gabriel Cox. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Delfert and Dale Cox, and his sister Gnelle Harrell. Mr. Cox was a 1949 graduate of Holton High School. He was a livestock broker and along with his brother Delfert owned and operated Cox Brothers Livestock in Amity for several years. He was also a farmer and had worked as a buyer for the Indianapolis Stock Yards. For several years Delmar and Pearl maintained their winter home in Lake Placid, Florida where Delmar enjoyed fishing for largemouth bass. He was also an avid gardener. Delmar was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church and attended the Holton Christian Church. He was also a member of the Holton Masonic Lodge. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 17th at 11am at the Holton Christian Church with Pastor Bob McCreary officiating. Burial will be in the Holton West Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Thursday at the church. The Holton Masonic Lodge will conduct services at 7pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Holton Christian Church or the Holton Masonic Lodge in care of the funeral home.
Jessie E. Hamm, 80, of Greensburg passed away at 12:20pm Saturday, November 12, 2016 at her home. She was born in Indianapolis on September 8, 1936 the daughter of Frank and Edith Odom. Survivors include two sons Robert (Angie) Hamm, and Mark (Anna) Hamm both of Pittsboro; two daughters Patricia (Joe) Hampton, and Katherine (Terry) Fenley both of Greensburg; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers Homer Odom and Harry Odom both of Indianapolis; one sister Ann (Bill) Taylor of Plainfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Rocky Hamm, her grandson Jimmy Ray Keeton, her sisters Rosie Cheeks and Helen Anderson, and her brothers Bob Carnes and Frank Marcum. Mrs. Hamm was a homemaker and had worked as a cook at Frank & Marys in Pittsboro. In her spare time Jessie enjoyed tending to her flowers, sewing, crafts, and was an avid reader. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 15th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Marble Corner Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Marble Corner Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Linda L. Gilley, 78, of Versailles passed away at 3:27am, Friday, November 11, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born near Arthur, Illinois on October 22, 1938 the daughter of Thomas and Anna Rhoades Jean. She was married to Frank Gilley on October 28, 1955 and he survives. Other survivors include three sons Kevin (Michelle) Gilley, Dwayne Gilley, and David Gilley all of Versailles; two daughters Cindy (Jay) Miller of Osgood, and Missy (Jeff) Wright of Lexington, Kentucky; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; one brother Tommy (Regina) Jean of Farmer City, Illinois; one sister Sherry Jean of Rantoul, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Timothy, her grandson John Edmond Miller, and her brothers John Jean and Stewart Jean. Mrs. Gilley was a 1956 graduate of Champaign (Ill.) High School. While raising her family Linda had jobs at US Shoe in Osgood, Crown-Zellerbach in Greensburg, the Rolling Pin Bakery in Versailles, and Madison Electronics. She was a doting mother and grandmother and also enjoyed tending to her flowers which stood out at her home on south 421 in Versailles. Linda’s wishes were to be cremated. Visitation will be Monday, November 14th at 5pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with funeral services following at 7pm. Rev. Charles Miller of Milan will officiate and burial will follow at a later date in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Kidney Foundation in care of the funeral home.
Norma Jean Dent, 83, of Versailles entered into God’s eternal care at3:20am, Monday, October 31, 2016 at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born on November 19, 1932 in Lockland, Ohio the daughter of Norman and Bessie Bray Ray. On December 21, 1957 she married her college sweetheart, James Dent, and after 58 years of wonderful marriage, he survives. Norma was valedictorian of the Holton High School class of 1950. She graduated with honors from Ball State University and earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Cincinnati. Norma had a teaching career that spanned three decades, during which she taught children in many grade levels and instructed college students in English for Purdue University. Norma was known as an exacting teacher who set a standard of excellence for herself and similarly demanded high achievement from each of her students. She always delighted in hearing from students she had taught over the years. After retiring from teaching, Norma began the second act of her professional life as a small business owner. She could often be found working behind the counter of one of her four video stores. She had a keen eye for real estate opportunities and enjoyed the process of construction and interior decorating. Norma was an avid doll collector, a fierce, two-time cancer survivor, and above all, an indulgent grandmother. Norma knew Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and was a member of the Tyson United Methodist Church. She is survived by her two daughters, Allison Dent of Versailles, and Jessica (Matthew) Bailey of Greensburg; three grandsons Nicholas, Nathaniel, and Alexander Bailey; one sister Owanna Stratton of Versailles. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at 11am at the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles with Rev. Mike Dixon officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, November 2nd from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and on Thursday from 10am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tyson United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Elaine Stephenson, 96, of Elrod passed away at 6:20am, Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born at Perryville in Decatur County, Tennessee on February 10, 1920 the daughter of John and Dora Brashear Kindle. She was married to Benjamin Stephenson on January 1, 1940 and he preceded her in death on May 13, 2004. Survivors include two sons Larry Stephenson of Elrod and Ronald (Pam) Stephenson of Kent; one daughter Glenda (Robert) Kelly of Scipio; two grandchildren Brianna Stephenson and Brian Kelly. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Arthur, Riley, and James Kindle. Mrs. Stephenson was a homemaker and had been employed at the Delaney Wood Heel factory in Versailles. She enjoyed tending to her garden and quilting. Elaine was a member of the Washington Baptist Church in Elrod. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 24th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Brian Dempsey of the Washington Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Eastview Cemetery at Patriot. Visitation will be Monday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Washington Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Ira M. Turner, 83, of Osgood passed away at 5:50pm Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Hospice of Hamilton in Hamilton, Ohio. He was born near Morgantown in Johnson County on June 30, 1933 the son of Raymond and Opal Crippen Turner. He was married to Helen Montgomery on June 12, 1953 and she preceded him in death on February 23, 2014. Survivors include three daughters Diana Turner of Osgood, Linda (Scott) Bailey of Middletown, Ohio, and Tina (Tom) Holmes of Harrison, Ohio; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers Lynn (Sharon) Turner of Arlington and Tom Turner of Greensburg. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael Turner who died June 14, 1988, his brothers Jim, Ray, and Claude Turner, and his sisters Ruth Shipley and Mary Springman. Mr. Turner was a 1952 graduate of Arlington High School. On September 14, 1953 he enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean War as a guided missile mechanic. He was discharged on September 13, 1955 and received the National Defense Service Medal. In civilian life Ira was known about Osgood as “the mailman” for the several years that he carried the mail there. He also operated Turner’s Upholstery Shop in Osgood for over 30 years and his hobbies included reading and watching old movies. Ira was a member of the Osgood American Legion. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Osgood American Legion in care of the funeral home.
Grace Everage, 91,of Milan passed away at 11:05pm Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born near Napoleon on June 29, 1925 the daughter of Orville and Edna Weeks Waters. She was married to Carter Everage on October 5, 1946 and he preceded her in death on March 12, 2015. Survivors include one son Jack (Robbie) Everage of Milan; three daughters Sandy Mills and Sherry Kendall both of The Villages, Florida, and Joyce Bailey of Martinsville; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Everage was a 1944 graduate of Delaware-Jackson High School at Napoleon and attended Indiana University. Grace was known as an excellent seamstress and she had served as a dress review judge at various county fairs and had also taught sewing at the Southeastern Career Center in Versailles. Her hobbies included tending to her garden and doing a wide variety of crafts. Grace was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church, the Home Arts club in Versailles, and was a former Farm Bureau member. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 21st at 10:30am at the Versailles Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30am until time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Lions Club or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Jenny Koger, 78, of Holton passed away at 2:05pm Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born near Holton on July 6, 1938 the daughter of Pierce and Lura Hollon King. Survivors include two sons David Koger of Holton and Doug Koger of Anderson; one daughter Diane (Michael) Hartman of Hartland, Connecticut; 8 grandchildren Derek (Kristen) Koger, Matthew hartman, Stacie Koger, Nicholas Hartman, Joshua Koger, Danielle Koger, Lauren Hartman, and Lydia Koger; one sister Ruby (Hulbert) Brewer of Holton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Mary Elizabeth Koger, brothers Russell, Elmer, and Hargis King, and her sister Myrtle King. Mrs. Koger was a 1956 graduate of Holton High School and was voted “best personality” of her senior class. Jenny had several occupations over the years including the Delaney Wood Heel factory in Versailles, US Shoe, Muscatatuck, and she once sold Filter Queen vacuums. She had also worked as a secretary at Camp Atterbury and also at the Southeast Career Center in Versailles. From 1986 to 2000 Jenny managed the Depot Restaurant in Osgood which allowed her to meet many people and make numerous friends. Jenny was a member of the Osgood American Legion Auxiliary. Jenny and her family appreciated the love and support shown to her in her final months. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 20th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Ty Choate of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
William Fred Francis, 72 of Elizabethtown passed away at 11:30pm Monday, October 10, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at Whitesburg in Letcher County, Kentucky on March 28, 1944 the son of John W. and Purnia Sergent Francis. He was married to Candace Collins and she survives. Other survivors include one son Tony Francis of Columbus; two daughters Natalie (Jerry) Gilpin of Versailles and Kylie Francis of Elizabethtown; two sisters Hazel (Dennis) Lemen of Zionsville and Nancy (Lee) Crocker of Waverly, Ohio; 7 grandchildren. Mr. Francis was a 1962 graduate of Versailles High School and was a veteran of the US Navy where he served from 1968 to 1972. He was a 46 year employee of Cummins Engine in Columbus retiring in 2009 and attended the Elizabethtown United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Dixon of the Tyson United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Saturday from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.
Harland Delap, 91, of Elrod passed away at 3:40pm Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born near Dillsboro on December 31, 1924 the son of Raymond and Rubie May Delap. He was married to Emalene Brandt on May 9, 1953 and she preceded him in death on June 15, 2010. Survivors include two daughters Debra (Lee) Cutter and Darlene (Martin) Ruehl both of Versailles; four special grandsons Derek Cutter, Casey, Brandon, and Andy Ruehl. Mr. Delap was a 1943 graduate of Milan High School. He was a Navy Veteran of WWII enlisting on July 17, 1944 and serving on the USS LST 876. For his service to his country Harland received the American Area Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon with one star. In civilian life Mr. Delap worked for 33 years in maintenance at the Jefferson Proving Ground retiring in 1984. Harland was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Dillsboro, the Ripley County 40 & 8, and Versailles American Legion. He served as treasurer for Branch 8041 of the Lutheran Brotherhood for 30 years. He had also served on the Washington Township Advisory Board and always played an active part in the Democrat party in Washington Township. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Keith Allhands officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department or St. Peters Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.
Donald G. Ficklin, 70, of East Enterprise, formerly of Rexville passed away at 1:40pm Sunday, October 9, 2016 at his home. He was born at Madison on October 27, 1945 and was raised by his aunt and uncle Alma and Red McComas. He was married to Eva Sproessig on August 21, 1965 and she survives. Other survivors include three sons Tim (Carrie) Ficklin of East Enterprise, Jeff Ficklin of Madison, and Robert Ficklin of Hanover; four grandchildren Dustin and Katelynne Whiteford, and Taylor and Sophia Ficklin. Mr. Ficklin was a 1964 graduate of New Marion High School. Heworked at Reliance Electric in Madison for 40 years leaving there in 2000 to accept a position with security at Argosy Casino. Don was a member of the Holton United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 12th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Joseph Hart of the Bible Baptist Church in Greendale officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden at Madison. Visitation will be on Wednesday beginning at 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Holton United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
India Castner Turner, 73, of Versailles passed away at 4am Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born on January 12, 1943 in Batesville the daughter of William and Nancy Davison Castner. She was married to Donald Turner on May 6, 1967 and he preceded her in death on November 4, 2010. Survivors include two daughters Kim (Tom) Sparks of Versailles and Nancy (Chris) Solomon of Tybee Island, Georgia; daughter-in-law Holly Turner of Osgood; two grandsons Jack and Jesse Turner; one sister Sharon (David) Meisberger of New Marion. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her son Joseph Turner who died December 7, 2014. Mrs. Turner was a 1961 graduate of Holton High School and she received her Bachelor’s degree in education from Moorhead State in 1965. She had taught English at Milan High School and retired from the Division of Family Services Versailles office. She was a Foster parent Trainer and also served on the Prevent Child Abuse Council. Her hobbies included gardening, painting, crafts, fishing, and especially enjoying her family and her grandsons. She loved traveling and also the companionship of her dog Millie. India was a member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church. India’s wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service to honor her will be held at 7pm, Thursday, October 13th at the Tanglewood Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 5pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Cemetery or the Ripley County Humane Society in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles.
Ronald C. Trowbridge, 78, of Versailles passed away at 2pm Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born at Scottsburg on June 9, 1938 the son of Herman and Violet Clark Trowbridge. He was married to Deanna Robbins on March 17, 1961 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Bryan (Terri) Trowbridge of Versailles and Gary Trowbridge of Friendship; one daughter Kari (Mark) Taulbee of Versailles; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one sister Janet (John) Wheat of Scottsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis, and his granddaughter Khristy Taulbee. Mr. Trowbridge was a 1956 graduate of Lexington High School in Scott County. He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era having served from 1960 to 1965. He was engaged in the commercial offset and silk screen printing business for 56 years having operated businesses in Scottsburg, Butlerville, Cross Plains and had Ron Dee Printing in Versailles, a business he operated with his wife since 1982. He had also worked for the Charleston Leader in Charleston, Indiana and for Herald Printery in Louisville. He had taught printing at Salem High School, the Southeastern Career Center in Versailles, and was a printing instructor to missionaries at the New Testament Bible School in Dillsboro. Ron’s hobbies included boating, camping, fishing and his talents allowed him to do carpentry, electric, and plumbing, as well as building up and restoring old cars. At the very least, Ron was a talented and diversified individual. He was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship, the Brown Township American Legion at Friendship, and the Versailles Masonic Lodge. Funeral services for Ron will be held on Wednesday, October 5th at 11am at the Bear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Akers Friendship Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Brown Township American Legion. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Wednesday at the church. Masonic services will be held Tuesday at 7:30pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Bear Creek Baptist Church or the Akers Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Ruth Ann Powell, 79, of Versailles passed away at 7:40pm Saturday, September 24, 2016 at her home. She was born on May 28, 1937 the daughter of Vincent and Juanita Myrle Jacobs Rodgers. She was married to Phillip Powell on December 12, 1951 and he preceded her in death on June 23, 2014. Survivors include two sons Harold (Sandra) Powell of Milan and Vincent (Jackie) Powell of Versailles; three daughters Myrtle (Stephen) Redd of Greensburg, Theresa (Larry) Miller of Versailles, and Debra (Doug) Wetzler of Auburn, Georgia; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers David Rodgers of Madison and Ted (Mary Ann) Rodgers of Elrod; one sister Linda Cunningham of Aurora. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Christine, sisters Marilyn Skeen, Faye Creigmile, and Myrtle Sue Rodgers, and her brother Andrew Rodgers. Mrs. Powell had worked at a variety of occupations throughout her life retiring from DSI Services in Greensburg. Other places she had worked included Nanco in Milan, Melben Products in Harrison, US Shoe in Osgood, and she had also served as custodian at the Moores Hill Elementary School. She had also done babysitting in her community. Her hobbies included collecting bells, a collection that had grown to several hundred and also had collected Longaberger baskets. Her outside activities included loving to mow as well as tending to her flowers, a well-known sight on US 421 in Versailles. Ruth Ann was a member of the Crossroads Wesleyan Church near Holton and attended the Tanglewood Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 28th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Stephen Mullins of the Tanglewood Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to St. Judes, Rescue 69, or the Hospice of Margaret Mary Community Hospital in care of the funeral home.
Elsie L. Lock, 85, of Versailles passed away at 1:30am Saturday, September 24, 2016 at her home. She was born at Revelo in McCreary County, Kentucky on July 31, 1931 the daughter of Marion and Nellie King Ross. She was married to Johnny Choate on June 12, 1965 and he preceded her in death on July 20, 1980. Survivors include two daughters Deborah Johns of Versailles and Kaye (Dale) Vanover of Pine Knott, Kentucky; 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; one brother Michael (Elizabeth) Ross of Deer Park, Ohio; one sister Evelyn Neufarth of Blue Ash, Ohio. She was also preceded in death by her son James “Rusty” Reed, and her sisters Essie Tucker and Georgia Ross. Mrs. Lock was a 1949 graduate of Pine Knott High School. She and her husband were former owner operators of the Court House Inn in Versailles and she had also operated the camp store at the Versailles State Park for 15 years. Her last job was as secretary for Paul Morris’ Bosch Lights of Versailles. Elsie was a member of the Cross Plains Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 27th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Logan Fugate officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery at Stumpke’s Corner. Visitation will be Monday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Cross Plains Church of Christ in care of the funeral home.
Betty Drew, 81, of Greensburg, formerly of Osgood passed away at 7:55pm Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Morning Breeze in Greensburg. She was born in McCreary County, Kentucky on March 26, 1935 the daughter of Wesley and Adina Coffey Gibson. She was married to David Drew on December 27, 1955 and he preceded her in death on June 18, 2000. Survivors include two brothers Donahue (Linda) Gibson of Westport and Hobart Gibson of Versailles; two sisters Trula Thornton of Covington, Kentucky and Delia (Earl) Thomas of Greensburg, along with several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Willie Earl Gibson and James Gibson, and her sister Edna Garrett. Mrs. Drew was a former employee of Dr. Scholl’s shoe factory in Cincinnati and spent much of her free time at the Jennings County Senior Center in North Vernon where she enjoyed dancing. Betty was a member of the Versailles Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 26th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Earl Thomas officiating. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Lilly Margaret “Patsy” Ralston, 98, of Olean passed away at 7:10am Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born near Vevay on June 3, 1918 the daughter of Alex and Nettie Robertson Clements. She was married to Bruce Ralston on June 20, 1936 at the Baptists parsonage in Vevay and he preceded her in death on October 6, 1992. Survivors include one son Wayne (Pat) Ralston of Palmetto, Florida; one daughter Kaye (Ernest Lee) Hunger of Benham; five grandchildren Chris Ralston of Bradenton, Florida, Holly Ralston of Huntsville, Alabama, Christy (Mike) Swango of Holton, and Bob (Connie) Hunger and Jennifer (Ralph) Miller of Versailles; 10 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Earl Ralston of Tacoma, Washington and Dillman (Evelyn) Ralston of Clearwater, Florida; sister-in-law Mary Geyman of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her grandson Thomas Hunger. Mrs. Ralston rode in a horse drawn wagon to the one room schools of Park Ridge, Pendleton Run, and Tater Bug in Switzerland County and was a 1935 graduate of Vevay High School where she played on the girls basketball team. She was an avid bowler in her younger years and also followed the Cincinnati Reds. Mrs. Ralston was a loyal follower of South Ripley sports especially when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were participating. She worked for several years as a cook at the Cross Plains school and retired from Ripley County Wholesalers in Milan where she worked as a bookkeeper. Patsy was a 64 year member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean where she participated in the Ladies Aid. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at 11am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor Curtis Black officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Improvement Fund in care of the funeral home.
Ora Acre Alsop, 93, of Cross Plains passed away at 4:30 pm Sunday, September 11, 2016 at the Waters of Dillsboro Manor. She was born near Hazard in Perry County, Kentucky on February 28, 1923 the daughter of Joseph and Mayme Roberts. She was married to Russell Acre and he preceded her in death on December 22, 1970. She later married Porter Alsop and he preceded her in death on March 1, 1995. Survivors include one son David Acre of Cross Plains; two step daughters Reca Dennis of Harrison, Ohio and Pam Sandoze of California; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son Charles Acre, and her brothers Willard and David Roberts. Mrs. Alsop was a former employee of Reliance Electric in Madison and had also worked as a cook at the Silver Bell Nursing Home near Versailles. She enjoyed her family, crocheting, and doing puzzles. Ora was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Dewberry. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 14th at 11am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Juan Luna officiating. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery at Dillsboro. Visitation will also be on Wednesday at the church from 9am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Donald Chase McMeans, 39, of Versailles passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016 near Versailles. He was born at Lampasas, Texas on January 16, 1977 the son of Donald and Darla Hinds Clark. He was married to De Ann Webb on December 19, 1998 and she survives. Other survivors include his mother Darla Clark of Burnet, Texas; his son Chance McMeans and daughter Peyton McMeans both at home; father and mother-in-law Ed and Marilyn Webb of Correct; two brothers Michael (Tiffany) Clark of Burnet, Texas and David (Stephanie) Clark of Temple, Texas; two sisters Misty Lewis and Kaitlin Clark both of Burnet, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. Mr. McMeans had earned an Associate’s degree in accounting and was currently working as an electrician with the IBEW Local 71. In his spare time Chase enjoyed hunting and fishing. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 20th at 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 6pm. Memorials may be given to the Bridge of Hope Youth Group in care of the funeral home.
Rebecca S. Cole, 52, of Versailles passed away Sunday, September 4, 2016 as the result of an automobile accident near Napoleon. She was born at Greensburg on January 29, 1964 the daughter of Gerald and Carol Bevars Powers. She was married to Wendell Cole on March 7, 1986 and he survives. Other survivors include one son Michael (Jacob Cooper) Cole of Louisville, Kentucky; one daughter Myranda (Justin) Horan of Madison; her mother and step-father Carol and Glen Schwanholt of Versailles; step-mother Margaret Powers of Columbus; three sisters Jeanie (Don) Duerstock of Greensburg, Terri Powers of Versailles, and Peggy Crawford of Jacksonville, Florida; one step-brother John Schwanholt of Versailles; step-sister Joann Luedeman of North Vernon, and a host of brothers and sisters in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and in particular two nieces who adored her, Aimee Cromer and Amanda Scheel. She was preceded in death by her father, her grandparents Floyd and Laura Bevars and Charles and Mary Powers, and her father and mother-in-law Everett and Dorothy Cole. Becky was a former employee of the Jefferson County Correctional facility in Madison. She had also worked at Blue Flame in Versailles and was a long time employee of the Ripley County Bank. Her favorite past times included doing things with her kids, going to yard sales, attending plays, fishing,and she had also adopted making stained glass ornaments as a hobby. She also enjoyed spoiling her dog Cooper and her cats Chloe and Sam. Visitation for Becky will be from 4pm to 7pm Wednesday, September 7th at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will follow at 7pm with Bro. Tim Heim of the Shelby Christian Church officiating. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Bernice Walsh, 72, of Versailles passed away at 7:30pm Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born in Cincinnati on April 16, 1944 the daughter of Ivie and Martha Anderson Pulley. She was married to Lloyd Walsh on October 13, 1961 and he survives. Other survivors include three daughters Lisa (John) Clark of Greendale, Kim (Patrick) Cornett of Aurora, and Raven Walsh of Dillsboro; 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; one sister Donna Briggs of Houston, Texas; also her mother-in-law Mrs. Ruth Walsh of Holton. Mrs. Walsh was a 1962 graduate of Versailles High School and in 1961 was crowned Miss Versailles State Park. She drove a school bus for Aurora Elementary School and South Dearborn High School over the course of 20 years, including running the route to the Career Center in Versailles. Her hobbies included her family and she enjoyed visiting flea markets. Over the course of their marriage she and Lloyd traveled in 49 of the 50 states and she enjoyed pampering her dog and her buddy “little girl”. Bernice was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 5th at 10am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
J. T. McGuire, 85, of New Marion passed away Friday, August 26, 2016 at his home. He was born at West Liberty in Morgan County, Kentucky on April 16, 1931 the son of Willie and Gertrude McDowell McGuire. He was married to Barbara Gross on May 3, 1950 and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2012. Survivors include four daughters Linda (John) Walston of Holton, Alice McGuire and Marilyn McGuire both of New Marion, and Kim (Jim) White of Versailles; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; one brother Bill (Mary) McGuire of Versailles. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother Everett, and his sisters Alene, Pauline, and Norene. Mr. McGuire was a retired construction worker and had worked for Bultman Blacktopping in Osgood for several years. At heart farming was always J. T.’s favorite occupation. He was a member of the Indiana Outriders Association and loved to participate in the annual Labor Day covered wagon rides with his family and friends. He also enjoyed croquet and his family described him as a “play for blood” Rook player. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 31st at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Vernon Wheeler officiating. Burial will be in the Rodney Cemetery near Westport. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
William W. Lewis, 66, of Holton passed away at 8:50 pm Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born at Milan on September 29, 1949 the son of Dilver and Dorothea Klausing Lewis. He was married to Doris Schlotman on August 31, 1977 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Bryan (Lisa) Schlotman of Holton, and Greg (Debbie) Schlotman of Fairland; 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; one sister Hazel Marie Johnson of Osgood; one brother Paul Lewis of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Michelle, his brother Norman, and his sister Eleanor Goodpaster. Mr. Lewis was a truck driver and had driven for Wayne Feeds in Milan. In his free time Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 29th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Mary Jo Hughes, 77, of Indianapolis passed away at 8:15pm Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born near New Marion on August 3, 1939 the daughter of Philmer and Bessie Bowling Meisberger. Survivors include two sons Randy Hughes of Indianapolis and Ben (Rachel) Hughes of Pittsboro; three daughters Debbie Cragen and Mary Elizabeth (Ted Tubbs) Hughes both of Indianapolis, and Candy Hughes of Champaign, Illinois; 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; six sisters Billie Bailey of Indianapolis, Minnie (Lou) Brugger of Greenwood, Sue Suter of Ft. Myers, Florida, Donna (Bob) Hester of Columbus, Diana (Tom) Poole of Pendleton, and Beth Ann Cumberworth of Butlerville. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Jean Ferrell and Judy Cliburn. Mrs. Hughes was a homemaker. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 25th at 1pm at the New Marion Cemetery with Rev. Mike Cantrell of the Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Esther Heidorn, 83, of Milan passed away at 3:35am Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born near Pierceville on November 23, 1933 the daughter of Lester and Mabel Dilla Plump. She was married to Floyd Heidorn on December 16, 1951 and he preceded her in death on October 5, 1998. Survivors include three daughters Lois Jones of Dry Ridge, Kentucky, Mary (Leroy) Vanosdol of Benham, and Kathy (Andrew) Neubauer of Cincinnati; one granddaughter Sarah Jones of Dry Ridge; three step-grandchildren Stephanie Neubauer of Cincinnati, Lisa (Bryan) Schlotman of Holton, and Cathy Wise of Dillsboro; 4 step-great grandchildren; one sister Virginian Schwing of Palatka, Florida; one brother Bobby (Jenine) Plump of Indianapolis. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorthea Sullender, brothers Lester Plump and Wallace (Bill) Plump, and her step-grandson AJ Neubauer. Mrs. Heidorn was a 1951 graduate of Milan High School. She was a former employee of the Milan Super-Valu and also taught nutrition classes for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Services. Esther was a 70 year member of the Pierceville United Methodist Church and was former leader for the Pierceville Haypals 4-H club. She also served as a volunteer for the Milan Food Bank. In her spare time Esther enjoyed reading and doing word search puzzles. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Jack Bible and Rev. Harris Long officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Pierceville United Methodist Church or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Philip H. Meisberger, 73, of New Marion passed away Monday, July 25, 2016 at University Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Indianapolis on July 6, 1943 the son of Rom and Gertrude Eckstein Meisberger. He was married to Rita Cole on September 19, 1964 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Jeff (Jeanie) Meisberger of Montrose, Colorado, and Scott (Amy) Meisberger of Versailles; two daughters Lori (Billy) Gabbard of Cross Plains, and Melissa Caplinger of New Marion; grandchildren Kelsey, Kaylin, Jordan, Matthew, and Nathan (Melanie) Meisberger, Tyler, and Devon Gabbard, Jakob, Joseph, and Ellie Ayers, Zack, and Cheyenne Caplinger; one great-grandchild Karrin Mae Meisberger; 8 brothers Melvin (Sandra), David (Sherron), John (Diane), Dwight, and Charles Meisberger all of New Marion, Donald (Josie) Meisberger of Camby, Art Meisberger of Olean, and Mark Meisberger of Indianapolis; two sisters Dolores Souder, and Mary (Greg) Hilton both of New Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Meisberger was a 1961 graduate of New Marion High School and served with the US Army Reserves from 1961 to 1965. He was a former employee of US Shoe in Osgood and retired from Seagrams in Lawrenceburg. Philip also farmed and loved to tinker with his Volkswagens and developed the reputation that if it needed fixing, find Philip and he would find a way to fix it. The highlight of his life was following any South Ripley sports team and he could always be found rooting on the Raiders. Philip was a member of the St. Magdalene Catholic Church and was a former member of the New Marion Fire Department. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the South Ripley boys and girls varsity basketball program in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home at Versailles.
Lena Patrick Delap passed away Tuesday in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Magoffin county Kentucky to Rilda and O.M. Patrick on April 23, 1918, and was married on April 23, 1936 to Alvin Delap who preceded her in death in April of 1987. Lena was also preceded in death by three brothers, four sisters, and parents. She is survived by three children Robert Alvin Delap, Judy Bridewell, and Linda (Andy) Barenscheer; and nine grandchildren-- LeAnn Wafford, Tara (Chuck) Hagy, Tina (Mark) Mazuk, Malinda (James) Jones, Susannah (Stephen) Scott, Timothy (Brittany) Barenscheer, Robert (Stacey) Delap, Jonathan Delap, David Brown, Kelly Bridewell, Tracey Bridewell. She is also survived by sixteen great grandchildren-- Patrick, Mindi, Joel, and Jeremiah Wafford; Abigail, Emma, Ellie, and Josie Hagy; Randal, Gracey, and Jacob Mazuk; Molly, Zachary, and Andrew Jones; Silas Scott, and Callen Barenscheer. She was a loving and caring mother who was dedicated to her family. She loved her picturesque country home spending endless time enjoying early mornings picking blackberries, tending to her garden, piecing quilts for her family, and preparing delicious homemade goods. Some might think this was a simple life, but to her it was everything. Blessed with a listening and sympathetic ear, and love for her family made it inviting to sit on the swing and listen to her calm and reassuring ways. It was common to receive comfort by a soft touch, tap of her hand, a soft “hello hon” or “bye sugar.” Her life was seasoned with family, and our lives were enriched by the love she has shown us. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 30th at 12pm at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with visitation beginning at 9am. Burial will follow the services at Washington Baptist Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Washington Baptist Cemetery in Elrod, Indiana.
Charles “Charlie” H. Sizemore, 82, of Holton passed away at 3:45am Sunday, July 17, 2016 at his residence. He was born at the Barboursville, Kentucky on July 18, 1933 the son of Hansford and Beatrice Grills Sizemore. He was married to Grace Elston on November 11th, 1993 in Carrollton, Kentucky and she survives. Other survivors include four sons; Greg of Osgood, Robert (Billi) of Versailles, Randy (Lisa) of Holton and Edward of Holton, step-son; Michael parsons of Delphi, IN and step-daughter; Shannon Feldcamp of Holton, 20 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, two sisters; Margaret English of Holton and Ruth Taylor of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Marvin, Leroy, Kenny, Carl and three infant siblings. Charlie retired from Indiana State Highway Garage after 15 years. He had many loves other than his family, He truly enjoyed bowling, fishing, Nascar and especially the Reds and Bengals. Mr. Sizemore was an Army Veteran, who was stationed in Germany from 1954 to 1956. Funeral services for Charlie will be on Thursday, July 21st, at 10am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Jim Wingate officiating. Burial will be in the Little Memory Cemetery north of Milan. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 20th from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.
Terrence L. Tucker “Terry” of Indianapolis IN passed away Thursday, July 7th 2016 in Indianapolis. Terry was born November 21st, 1954 at the Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville to Ray and Sari Virginia (Doyle) Tucker. He was a loving husband to Karen (Appel) Tucker and father to three daughters Sarah (David) Blount of Indianapolis , Chelsea Tucker and fiancé Justin Moore of Cincinnati, and Margo Tucker, a third year law student at Indiana University; Other survivors include his father and step-mother Ray and Marian Tucker of Dabney; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Peter and Margaret Appel of Valparaiso; two brothers Trace (Denise) Tucker of Versailles and Trevor (Todd Frier) of Chicago; three sisters Renea (Bill) Kline of Dayton, Ohio, Becky (Frank) Eaton, and Lynn (Mike) Cumberworth both of Versailles. He was also a doting grandfather to his two grand-daughters Peyton, and Isabel Blount. He was preceded in death by his mother Sari Virginia, his nephew Tanner Tucker, and his childhood best friend Leslie Stratton, Jr. Terry was a proud graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School in the class of 1973 and was a 1977 graduate of Hanover College where he played basketball for the Panthers and earned a degree in biology. He spent over 25 years working in sales for Signature Graphics alongside his best friend Ed Mosser. Terry truly enjoyed grilling, boating, watching the Reds, and spending time with his family. He was member of the Dabney Baptist Church and was a 2003 inductee of the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16th at 1:00 pm at Dabney Baptist Church, 1103 N. Old Michigan Rd., Holton IN 47023. A meal will be provided by the church immediately following the service, and a small graveside gathering will be held at 4:00 pm at Union Flat Rock Cemetery near Osgood. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the IU Hospital Transplant Program or the Tanner Tucker Scholarship Fund in care of the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles.
Geneva L. Myers, 96, of Milan passed away at 2:40am, Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born at Versailles on October 28, 1919 the daughter of Frank and Clara Dilk Wildman. Geneva was born while her father was serving as Ripley County Sheriff and delighted in telling her friends that she was born at the jail and lived there as well! She was married to Donald Myers of Milan on December 26, 1969 and he preceded her in death on April 1, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Collins J. Wildman, and her sister Opal Wildman. After her father’s term of sheriff ended her family moved back to their farm at Marble Corner in southwestern Ripley County in what is now part of the Jefferson Proving Ground. Mrs. Myers attended the Marble Corner school and was a 1937 graduate of New Marion High School. She entered Hanover College that fall and graduated from the two year elementary teacher’s program. She taught her first year at the San Jacinto school in Jennings County and spent the next 38 years in the Milan school system, retiring in 1978. In her younger years her family attended the Marble Corner Methodist Church and as a child Geneva had the responsibility along with her mother and sister of ringing the church bell and cleaning the church. Geneva attended the final services at her church on January 3, 1941 before the proving ground took over and recalled a letter from Mrs. Roosevelt being read to the congregation. Geneva was a member of the Milan United Methodist Church, Milan Lions Club, the Ripley County Retired Teachers Association, and had served on the Milan Beautification Committee. She and Donald had also owned and operated Myers TV and Appliance Store in Milan. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 6th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Pam Wooden of the Milan United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Marble Corner Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be from 9am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Marble Corner Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Bart Redwine, 50, of Versailles passed away at 9:15pm Thursday, June 30, 2016 at his home. He was born in Madison on April 10, 1966 the son of Fred and Patricia Morrison Redwine. Survivors include his father Fred Redwine, Sr. of Versailles; one son Joshua Redwine of Versailles; one brother Fred Redwine, Jr. of Versailles; two sisters Tracy Redwine and Lois Disbro both of Versailles. Bart attended school at South Ripley and Switzerland County. He was a former employee of Arvin Sango and was also a self- employed carpenter. Bart’s wishes were to be cremated and there will be no services. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of arrangements.
Frank A. Smith, 65, of Milan passed away at 4:30pm Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born at the Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville on April 27, 1951 the son of Carl and Myrtle Firth Smith. Survivors include one sister Jan (Ernie) Davis of Milan; brother-in-law Frank Braley of Versailles; sister-in-law Janice Smith of Versailles, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth Braley, and his brother Larry Smith. Frank, or Frankie as he was known by his friends and family loved music and dancing. He could identify the artist singing a song as soon as he heard the first few notes. When he was a child, Sister Ann Janelle established a school for Downs Syndrome children in Batesville and Frank learned to read and write. Frank’s favorite past time was not only following the Cincinnati Reds and IU basketball, but as long as he was able he loved to play both sports as well. Frankie also had a love for the camera and when was out his family said he was front and center to have his picture taken. Funeral services for Frank will be on Wednesday, June 29th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Harris Long of the First Baptist Church in Milan officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery or the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.
Damon J. Webster, 83, of Rexville passed away at 1:55pm Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born near Vevay in Switzerland County on February 1, 1933 the son of Melvin and Edna Scudder Webster. He was married to Carrie Mildred Meisberger on April 17, 1953 and Millie, his wife of 63 years survives. Other survivors include one brother Merrell (Jerri) Webster of Olean; one sister Martha Burress Riley of Osgood, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Webster was an Army veteran of the Korean War where he served in Germany with the 2nd Infantry Regiment as a driver. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal. In civilian life Mr. Webster was a farmer and bricklayer, working for Bruns-Gutzwiller Construction in Batesville. Damon was proud of the many buildings he had worked on, among them being the Aurora School and the Osgood Post Office. On October 4, 1993 while working on his combine Damon lost his left hand in an accident. Despite this handicap and challenge he soon resumed his work on the farm. Damon was a 50 year member of the Bricklayers Local and was also a member of the Shelby Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. David Jolly officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church or the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.
Marilyn Spurlock Clayton, 60, of Cincinnati passed away at 11:30am Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Hospice of Cincinnati Twin Towers. She was born at Milan on May 1, 1956 the daughter of Fred and Margaret Gray Spurlock. Survivors include two daughters Heather Freeman and Jill Humphries both of Holton; grandchildren Megan, Alexis, and Benjamin Freeman, Haley Humphries, and Aaron Eversole; two sisters Carolyn Smith of Aurora, and Trudy (Mike) Thomas of Liberty, South Carolina and one brother Ronnie (Tammy) Spurlock of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Verna Mosier. Ms. Clayton graduated in 1975 from the Cincinnati Barber College and was a licensed barber. She was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 13th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Timothy Heim, minister, of the Shelby Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the New Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Hubert “Huck” Francis, 93, of Osgood passed away Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the Blue Ash Care Center in Cincinnati. He was born at Carbon Glow in Letcher, County, Kentucky on May 9, 1923 the son of Harrison and Raney Blair Frances. He was married to Gertrude Dunbar on July 18, 1948 and she preceded him in death on August 12, 2013. Survivors include four daughters Gail (John) Bosley of Raleigh, North Carolina, Diana (Dan) Rimstidt of Loveland, Ohio, Cheryl (Ronald) Elff of Fishers, and Joy (Rich) Clark of St. Johns, Florida; 5 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother Harrison Francis, Jr. of Swayzee; one sister Dale Bell of Versailles. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Betty Francis and Donna Disney, and his brothers Coy, Hastel, and Hobart Francis. Mr. Francis was a 1941 graduate of Carr Creek High School in Carr Creek, Kentucky. On May 15, 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Philippines during WWII. For his service Mr. Francis received the WWII Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. In civilian life he worked for Seagrams Distillery at Lawrenceburg retiring in 1982. Huck was a member of the Greensburg Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His favorite past times included following the Cincinnati Reds, University of Kentucky basketball, his grandchildren, and especially taking in nature which included daily drives to the Versailles State Park with Gertie. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Ron Kappeler officiating. Burial will be in the Mud Pike Cemetery at Osgood with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Greensburg Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Hospice of Cincinnati in care of the funeral home.
Bernice A. Hopkins, 87, of Greenwood, formerly of Holton passed away at 10:30am, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin. She was born near Zenas in Jennings County on December 18, 1928 the daughter of William and Gertrude Yeager Speer. She was married to Harold Hopkins on October 17, 1948 and he preceded her in death on June 16, 2002. Survivors include one son Charles (Amy) Hopkins of Apollo, Pennsylvania; two daughters Katherine (Vernon) Pedersen of Great Falls, Montana and Yvonne (Steve) Tanner of Greenwood; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers Walter (Mary Evelyn) Speer of North Vernon and Wayne (Janet) Speer of Lexington; one sister Virginia (Walter) Brauer of Brownsburg. She was also preceded in death by her son Michael, her parents, and her brothers Elmer, Omer, Melvin, Leonard, John, Fred, and Richard Speer. Mrs. Hopkins was a 1947 graduate of Zenas High School. She and her husband were former owners and operators of Hopkins’ Grocery in Holton and she was also a homemaker. Her favorite past times were bird watching, crocheting, reading, gardening, and her grandchildren. Bernice was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church, Versailles OES, and the Napoleon VFW Auxiliary. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 16 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Ty Choate of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Flat Rock Cemetery near Osgood. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Memorials may be given to the Flat Rock Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
John R. Adams, 86, of Ruskin, Florida, formerly of Versailles passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Life Path Hospice in Ruskin. He was born in Indianapolis on February 27, 1930 the son of John and Georgia McDonald Adams. He was married to Mayme Gurney and she preceded him in death on October 20, 1984. He was married to Lucille Buchanan on August 10, 1985 and she survives. Other survivors include one son John S. Adams of Tampa, Florida; one daughter Crystal Kormelink of Cincinnati; five step-sons Mark (Dianne) Ogden of Atlanta, Georgia, Gary (Jody) Ogden, and Paul Ogden of Indianapolis, Jeff Ogden of Clearwater, Florida, and Mike (Judy) Ogden of Overland Park, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother Dale (Martha) Adams of Herndon, Virginia; two sisters Stella Dobson of Rising Sun, and Alta Holcomb of Versailles. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Edward and Grover, and his sisters Betty Holzer and Velma Browning. Mr. Adams was a 1949 graduate of Holton High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the US Army and rising to the rank of Corporal and for his service John received the National Defense Service Medal. In civilian life he worked at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and retired in 1990 from the Jefferson Proving Ground where he worked in demolition. John was member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Ruskin and was a 50 year member of the Versailles Masonic Lodge. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 7th at 1pm at St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Don Buchanan officiating. Burial will be in the Marble Corner Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 6:45pm and Masonic services at 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Moffitt Cancer Center or the Shriner’s Hospital in care of the funeral home.
Mary F. Cordell, 63, of Versailles passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Mercy West Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born in Cincinnati on March 28, 1953 the daughter of Raymond and Roxie Trimble Pierce. She was married to Roy Cordell and he preceded her in death on February 13, 2014. Survivors include one daughter Marie (Albert) Sturgill of Versailles; one son Forest Huddelston of Milan; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one sister Wanda Wingate of Aurora; also her fiancé Dr. Marvin Moore of Rising Sun. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Cordell was a 1971 graduate of Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. She was a former employee of Hillenbrand Industries in Batesville and was currently the owner and operator of Four Paws Boarding and Grooming in Versailles. Mary had a tremendous love of animals and provided excellent care and attention to all of her “furry friends”. Mary was a member of the Cross Plains Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Logan Fugate of the Cross Plains Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the Marble Corner Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.
Allen L. Franklin, 84, of Holton passed away at 5:15pm Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus. He was born near Holton on March 26, 1932 the son of Floyd and Ida Barricklow Franklin. He was married to Louella Hutchinson on April 20, 1960 and his wife of 56 years survives. Other survivors include one son Russell (Beverly) Meredith of White Plains, Kentucky; three daughters Gladys (Johnny) Gee of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Patty Higgins of Nashville, Tennessee, and Freda (Ray) Toops of Osgood; one step-son Jim (Susie) Collins of Versailles; one step-daughter Carolyn Collins of Holton; 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and one step-great-grandchild; two brothers Gene (Shirley) Franklin and Frank (Myrtie) Franklin both of Holton; three sisters Leota Conover and Eva Mae Wagoner both of Holton, and Rowena (Robert) Sanders of Murray, Kentucky ; sister-in-law Henrietta Franklin of Versailles; He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Ben. Mr. Franklin was a 1950 graduate of Holton High School. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and for his military service Allen received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the U. N. Service Medal. Allen was a farmer and was a former employee of the Ford Plant in North Vernon. He retired in 1987 after 25 years with Cummins Engine in Columbus. He served two terms on the Ripley County Council and was a Democrat precinct committeeman in Otter Creek Township. Allen was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church and had served with the Holton Fire Department of which he was currently an honorary member. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 19th at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Ty Choate officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Monday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to Operation Christmas Child through the Hopewell Baptist Church or the Holton Fire Department in care of the funeral home.
Carolee Palmer, 85, of Lilly, Kentucky, formerly of Indianapolis passed away at 11:15pm Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis. She was born near Holton on June 21, 1930 the daughter of Siebert and Edith Fox Laswell. She was married to Warren Palmer on July 19, 1947 and he preceded her in death on March 13, 1992. Survivors include two daughters Toni (E. C.) Burkhart of Lilly, Kentucky, and Sheryl (Stanley) Uffelman of Sanford, Florida; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; one sister Judy (Bill) Fields of Greensburg. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sons Donald and Michael Palmer, and her sister Nadine Cramer. Mrs. Palmer was a 1947 graduate of Osgood High School. She was a former employee of Thompson Industries and also worked as a receptionist at the Greensburg YMCA. Carolee was a member of the Brookville Road Community Church in Indianapolis. A celebration of Carolee’s life will be held on Saturday, April 16th at 1pm at the Brookville Road Community Church with Pastor John Fields officiating. Carolee’s wishes were to be cremated and burial will follow at a later date at the Tanglewood Cemetery at Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Indy Love Train in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Isabella Michael Stutler, 14, of Pflugerville, Texas, formerly of Friendship passed away Monday, April 4, 2016 at her home. She was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala on April 30, 2001 the daughter of Todd and Dara Turner Stutler. Survivors include her parents of Pflugerville; her brother Ty who is at home; paternal grandparents Gary and Judy Stutler of Friendship; aunts and uncles Scott and Amy Stutler, and Isabella’s cousin Ethan of Friendship, Shelly and Richard Horn of Cincinnati, Devonna and Jeff Bonta of Westchester, Ohio, Cindy and Greg Foley of Lawrenceburg, Mitchell and Sherry Butler of Queen Creek, Arizona, Jo`Nee Cochran of Aurora, and David and Arlene Turner of Austin, Texas. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents James and Gloria Turner. Isabella was a freshman at Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville where she participated on the PT team as a member of the Junior ROTC. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church and played the base guitar with the church’s youth group. Isabella’s hobbies included seeing new movies, traveling and seeing new places, drawing, photography, and hanging out with her friends. Her favorite things to do though were to be big sister and play with Ty and to help Grandpa and Grandma Stutler at the Friendship Shoot every spring and fall. Funeral services for Isabella will be on Monday, April 11th at 10am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Carter Corbrey of the First Southern Baptist Church in Versailles officiating. Burial will be in the Akers Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Samantha Hansen Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
Ethel June Crocker, 96, of the Hopewell Community passed away at 4:40pm Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born in Cincinnati on March 31, 1920 the daughter of Guy and Sherla Morris Smith. She was married to Orville Crocker on January 27, 1945 and he preceded her in death on November 3, 2004. Survivors include one daughter Nancy Thola of Osgood; three sons Merrill Crocker and Melvin Crocker both of the Hopewell Community, and Lee (Nancy) Crocker of Waverly, Ohio; 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Phyllis Jackson. Mrs. Crocker was a 1938 graduate of Western Hills High School in Cincinnati. Her and her husband Orville formerly owned and operated Crocker’s Coin-o-Wash in Osgood and June also assisted her family on their Christmas tree farm as well as with the livestock, including chickens and eggs. With God and family vital to her life her number one occupation was homemaker, but she also found time to be a 4-H leader as well as giving piano lessons. June was a 70 year member of the Hopewell Baptist Church where she played the piano and taught Sunday School. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 7th at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Ty Choate officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church building fund in care of the funeral home.
Virgil H. Ruggles, 70, of Osgood passed away at 1:30am Thursday, March 31, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville on August 15, 1945 the son of Herbert and Ann Fryer Ruggles. He was married to Carol June Rea on February 6, 1965 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Steven (Teresa) Ruggles of Greensburg; grandsons Zacheriah and Trent Ruggles; one brother Donald (Carol) Ruggles of Lincoln City; two sisters Kathy Ruggles of Avon and Janie (Willie) Grigsby of Versailles; also his beloved cat Joey. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his twin sons Nathan and Neal, who died in infancy. Mr. Ruggles was a 1963 graduate of Holton High School. He was a former employee of Arvins in North Vernon and retired in 2000 after 34 years with the Southeastern Indiana REMC in Osgood where he worked as a lineman and serviceman. Virgil’s favorite pastime was fishing and spending time with his family. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 3rd at 4pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Irvin Hart of the Osgood New Testament Christian Church officiating. Visitation will be from 2pm until time of services. Virgil’s wishes were to be cremated and burial will follow at a later date at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Osgood Fire Department or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Oliver Branson, 88, of Holton passed away at 5:30am Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the Jewish Hospital in Louisville. He was born at Viper in Perry County, Kentucky on January 26, 1928 the son of Samp and Altis Turner Branson. Survivors include one son Roy Branson of Holton; one granddaughter Jannie (Matthew) Jackson of Westport; one great-grandson Connor Branson; two brothers Jim (June) Branson of Versailles and Roger (Nancy) Branson of Connersville; five sisters Eva (Dale) Combs of Franklin, Ohio, Evola (Bill) House of New Albany, Ada (Larry) McIntire of Scipio, Vada (Bob) Browne of New Washington, and Teresa (Daniel) Bowman of Queensville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Branson, and his sisters Jean Grigsby and Betty Brashear. Mr. Branson was an Army veteran of WWII and the Korean War entering the service on January 12, 1946 and being discharged on June 26, 1947. He re-entered the Army on June 22, 1949 and was discharged o December 1, 1952. For his military service Cpl. Branson received the WWII Victory Medal and also the Army Occupation of Japan Medal. In civilian life Oliver had a variety of different jobs, but his main occupation was being a self-employed carpenter. In his earlier days he worked in the almond fields of California as well as the potato fields of Maine. He also had worked as a coal miner in Perry County, Kentucky, the power plant at Madison, and also the Glasstron Boat Company in Madison. Oliver gave of his time and talents to help construct the Educational Building for the Shelby Christian Church of which he was a member. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 1st at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Bro. Dale Day and Bro. Tim Heim officiating. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Shelby Cemetery in care of the funeral
Donald Lee Ellis, 84, passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2016, with his family at his side. He was born on March 3, 1932 to Millard and Goldie Bess Ellis in Hamilton, Ohio. He attended Hanover High School and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marian Caldwell, and had four children, Donnie, Gary, Marcy and Cheryl. While his career was at General Motors and Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, all who were close to him knew his true passions were his love of his family and country, the outdoors, and his varied and numerous interests and pursuits. As an avid reader with a photographic memory, he could regale his family and friends with information about innumerable subjects as well as quote poems by his favorite poets, Robert Service and Indiana’s James Whitcomb Riley. As an endowment member of the NRA, one of his most passionate interests was hunting and all things related to guns. In his younger adult years, he competed with the Butler County Gun Club in regional matches. In later years, his interest extended to the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, building his guns and competing in numerous events. In his final years of competition with the NMLRA, he set national records for the slug gun competition in several distances, and continues to hold records. Art was another passion he studied at Miami University and pursued as an amateur artist through most of his life, especially his years in New Mexico. His other numerous interests ranged from the family farm on Mexico Ridge Road to beekeeping, fly fishing, winemaking, forestry conservation and local history. Donald was a Freemason and a member of Rising Sun No. 6. He also served as a Volunteer Fireman in Bear Branch. Donald will be greatly missed by his loving family and many close friends. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Marian Caldwell Ellis; his daughters, Marcy Ellis Hahn and husband Roger, and Cheryl Ellis Munoz and late husband Robert; his nine grandchildren, Jesse Munoz and wife Ashley, Eli Munoz, Annie Munoz, Alex Hahn, Garrett Hahn, Dawn Ellis Bolton and husband Chris, Weston Ellis, Ethan Ellis, and Amanda Ellis Gribbons and husband James; his five great-grandchildren, Alice Munoz, Tyler Hoskins, Derek Hoskins, Lillian Cline, and Sophia Gribbons; and his sister, Pat Everhart and husband Alvie. Donald was preceded in death by his two sons, Donald Ellis Jr. and Gary Ellis; his brother, Richard Ellis, and his parents. Visitation will be on Monday, March 28th from 4pm – 6pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6pm beginning with the Masonic ceremony, and with Don’s dear friend, David Ricketts, officiating the services. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 29th at 12pm at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bear Branch Volunteer Fire Department or Dave Goodwin Landscaping for a memorial tree.
Richard B. Sproessig, 67, of Versailles passed away at 4:30am Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born at Batesville on January 17, 1949 the son of Chester and Flora Angel Sproessig. He was married to Patricia McConnell on December 12, 1970 and she survives. Other survivors include his daughter-in-law Eryn Sproessig of North Vernon; two grandchildren Ashtyn and Hunter Sproessig; one sister Eva (Donald) Ficklin of Rexville. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, and his parents. Mr. Sproessig was a 1967 graduate of Holton High School and graduated from the Indiana Barber College in Indianapolis. Richard worked as a barber in both Holton and Madison. He was employed with Arvins in North Vernon for 32 years and retired in 2014 from South Ripley High School where he worked as a custodian. Richard was a former member of the Ripley County Gideon Camp and was a member of the Holton United Methodist Church where he was a lay leader as well as a Sunday School teacher. He enjoyed gardening and working in the yard and doting on his grandchildren. Richard’s greatest enjoyment was his church and witnessing for his Lord which he did even on his last day. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 18th at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Dennis Hadler of the Holton United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Harold Black, 77, of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Cincinnati passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the West Florida Hospital in Pensacola. He was born near Pleasant in Switzerland County on January 8, 1939 the son of Ernest and Margaret Harper Black. He was married to Judith Lester on August 23, 1958 and his wife of 57 years survives. Other survivors include one son Jeffery (Lori) Black of Cadiz, Kentucky; two daughters Debra (John) Weale of Columbus, Ohio, and Teresa (Mike) Varner of Pensacola; five grandchildren; four brothers Dilver Thayer of Lake City, Florida, David (Rita) Black of Cincinnati, Richard (Mary) Black of Cross Plains, and Roger (Terry) Black of Ft. Wayne; two sisters Phyllis (Harold) Taylor of Cincinnati, and Marilyn (Jerry) Wisher of Covington, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Black was a 1957 graduate of Cross Plains High School and a 1962 graduate of Ball State University where received his BS degree in education. He was a 10 year veteran of the US Air Force during the Vietnam Era where he rose to the rank of Captain. During his time in the Air Force he was stationed in Enid, Oklahoma, Amarillo, Texas, the United Kingdom, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. For his service Harold received the National Defense Service Medal, USAF Outstanding Unit Award, and the USAF Longevity Service Award. In civilian life Harold worked for 25 years as a supervisor for Avon Manufacturing in Springdale, Ohio. He also worked as a purchasing manager for Cincinnati Machine Tool Services from 1996 to 2001 and from 2008 to 2009 worked for the Kentucky State Park Service as a camp ground director. He retired from Merchant Security in 2013. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Jerry Brooks of the Benham United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery with military graveside services by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11am until time of services.Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.
Karen E. Goris, 62, of Versailles passed away at 10pm Thursday, March 10, 2015 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born at Scottsburg on January 13, 1954 the daughter of Glenford and Ramona Butters Jenkins. Survivors include one daughter Heather Goris of Indianapolis; brothers, Norman Jenkins of North Pole, Alaska, Dennis Jenkins of Austin, and David Jenkins(Karen) of Underwood; sisters, Betty Rosengarn(Leroy) of Charlestown, Dorothy Shepherd of Lexington, and Wanda Poggel(Robert) Scottsburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Thomas Jenkins. After growing up on a farm in Scott County, Ms. Goris was a 1972 graduate of Scottsburg High School and received her Associates Degree in horticulture from Vincennes University in 1974. Karen moved to Versailles in 1981 and was a member of the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles where she has worked as church secretary for over 20 years. At the church she also participated in committee work, Bible study, and fund raising, but her favorite part of church was helping with VBS. She had also worked in the cafeteria at South Ripley High School for 20 years. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 15th at 10am at the Tyson United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Dixon officiating. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery at New Washington. Visitation will be on Monday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9am until time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tyson United Methodist Church accessibility fund in care of the funeral home.
Jerry L. Shelton, 77, of Elrod passed away at 11:45pm Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born at Milan on September 2, 1938 the son of Frank Leroy and Mildred Mae Johnson Shelton. Survivors include two sons Andy Shelton of Osgood and Mark (Lupe) Shelton of Vacaville, California; one daughter Polly (Tony) Woods of North Vernon; 4 grandchildren; one brother William (Mary) Shelton of Osgood; three sisters Judy (William) Jackson of Greendale, Ethel Herrin of Lynn, and Connie Shelton of Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Rita Mae Shelton. Mr. Shelton was a 1956 graduate of Milan High School. He was employed with Schenleys in Lawrenceburg for 29 years and retired from Fernald Feed Materials Production Center near Harrison, Ohio. Jerry had attended the Washington Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Michael Cammack of the Bethany Baptist Church in Osgood officiating. Burial will be in the Washington Cemetery at Elrod. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Washington Cemetery or the Activities Fund of the Manderley Health Care Center in care of the funeral home.
Michael L. Cloney, 64 of Holton, IN. passed away at 5am Monday, March 7, 2016 at his home. He was born in Blue Island, Illinois, the son of Lester and Doretha (Mann) Cloney on April 5, 1951. Loving husband of 43 years to Teresa (Syzmanski) Cloney , dear father to Doretha (Ken) Krawzyk-Twin Lakes, WI, Robert (Gaylea Montijo) Cloney-Palm Bay, FL, Kathleen (Michael) Doyle-Antioch, IL, Michael (Penni) Cloney-Holton, IN, Geraldine (Lucas Singer) Cloney-Wonder Lake, IL, playful Grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He is also survived by Judy Richardson of Florida, Pat (John) Evans of Nevada, and John (Aggie) Cloney of California. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Damien Cloney, and his sisters Geraldine Daum and Mary Piekarz. Mike was a proud Army veteran, who went on to own his own towing company and car dealership finally retiring after many years in the trucking industry. He and Teresa moved from Wonder Lake, IL to Holton, IN in 2001 where they owned M & T Sales, Selling Diecast cars, camping gear, and RV supplies. He enjoyed running his business at The Friendship Fleamarket in Friendship, IN and Gravelrama in Cleves, OH. Mike also drove stock cars on dirt tracks in Wisconsin and Illinois. He was a practical joker who loved making people laugh and enjoyed giving and receiving Bear Hugs. Visitation will be held Friday March 11th from 3pm to 6pm with Funeral Service immediately after to begin at 6pm at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles, IN with Pastor Mitch Harrell of Zenas Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lifetime Resources or the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Beverly Prost, 69, of Versailles passed away at 7:35pm Monday, March 7, 2016 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born in Cincinnati on August 16, 1946 the daughter of John and Mary Buening Wilkening. She was married to Donald Prost on January 31, 1969 and he survives. Other survivors include three sons Donald (Ann) Prost of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dr. Michael (Maile) Prost of Phoenix, Arizona, and Matthew (Eve) Prost of Ellettsville; four daughters Julie Prost of Greendale, Susan (Mark) Voriel of Tempe, Arizona, Sharon (Ron) Barnhart of Greendale, and Jeanette Prost of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; 8 grandchildren; two brothers James (Kim) Wilkening and Richard Wilkening both of Cincinnati; one sister Bonita Wilkening also of Cincinnati. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Tom Wilkening. Mrs. Prost was a 1964 graduate of Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati and also graduated from the Miller-Draughn School of Business. Several years ago she worked as an executive secretary for the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, but her more recent occupation was serving as cafeteria manager at Shawe High School in Madison. Beverly was a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood and also was a member of the Benham Bluebells Home Ec Club. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 11 at 10am at St. John Catholic Church with Father Bill Turner officiating. Burial will take place at 1:30pm Friday at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Cincinnati. Visitation will be Thursday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Shawe High School Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
Joyce A. Roth, 69, of Nebraska passed away at 2pm Saturday, March 5, 2016 at her home. She was born at Glendale, Ohio on October 17, 1946. She was married to Curtis Roth on December 24, 1999 and he survives. Other survivors include one step-son Dwayne (Holly) Roth of Sunman and four grandchildren. Mrs. Roth was a former employee of the Osgood Grub Company and also NAT, a division of Gecom in North Vernon. Mrs. Roth enjoyed feeding her birds outside as well as her parakeets in the house. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 9th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with visitation beginning at 10am. Burial will be in the Otter Creek Cemetery at Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Church of Christ in care of the funeral home
Audrey J. Doyle, 89, of Holton passed away at 1:30pm Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the home of her daughter near Batesville. She was born at Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 1, 1926 the daughter of Carl H. and Violet Jadischke Lipke. She was married to Marvin “Brook” Doyle on September 4, 1948 and he preceded her in death 16 years ago on February 14, 2000. Survivors include two daughters Esther (Doug) Krieger of Batesville and Gloria (Don) Comer of Holton; 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; one sister Dianne Dilger of Cameron Park, California. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Lila Zarnott and Elizabeth Lipke. Mrs. Doyle was raised in Milwaukee and met her future husband while he was serving in the US Navy. She was a homemaker and in her younger years was employed with the Nunn-Bush Shoe Factory in Milwaukee. Audrey had also served as the custodian for the Hopewell Baptist Church of which she was a 40 year member. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 18th at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Ty Choate officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell building fund or the Hospice of Margaret Mary Hospital in care of the funeral home.
Frank W. Cox, 60, of Osgood passed away at 12:30am Monday, February 8, 2016 at his home. He was born at Milan on January 16, 1956 the son of Monroe and Avis Cornett Cox. He was married to Blanche Palmer on July 19, 1975 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Frank Jr. (Carol) of Sunman and Jason (Sondra) of Osgood; one granddaughter Natalie Cox; his father-in-law Claude Palmer, Jr. of Osgood; one brother Donald (Jane) Cox of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; one sister Shirley Hamilton of Brownstown. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jesse. Mr. Cox was a 1974 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School and also attended the Southeastern Career Center where he studied building trades. He spent his entire working career as a carpenter being employed with Comer Buildings and also F. A. Wilhelm Construction in Indianapolis as well as being self-employed. In his spare time Frank was an avid mushroom hunter, loved tinkering in his garage, watching football, and playing corn hole. Frank was a member of the Osgood Sons of the Legion. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Frank’s brother-in-law Pastor Steve Palmer officiating. Visitation will begin at 5pm. Frank’s wishes were to be cremated which will follow Wednesday’s funeral services. Memorials may be given to Rescue 69 in care of the funeral home.
Irene Adams Dart, 87, of Deputy, formerly of Versailles passed away at 7:05am Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Thornton Terrace in Hanover. She was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky on November 12, 1928 the daughter of Forest and Martha Meaders Hamblin. She was married to Edward Adams on May 1, 1948 and he preceded her in death on February 9, 2001. She was married to Robert Dart on October 20, 2001 and he survives. Other survivors include one son David (Penny) Adams of Brownsburg; two daughters Janice (George) Franz of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Ellen (Mike) Gross of Milton, Kentucky; one step-daughter Debbie (Jeff) Arnold of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin; three step-sons Roger (Chris) Dart of Charlotte, North Carolina, Ron (Sherry) Dart of Paris Crossing, and Rob (Angel) Dart of Seymour; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother Harold (Glenda) Hamblin of Burlington, Kentucky; one sister Jean Kieffer of Versailles. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Virginia Graves. Mrs. Dart was a 1947 graduate of New Marion High School. She was a self-employed beautician in Versailles for several years and was also a homemaker. In later years Irene discovered her talent for painting and had become an accomplished artist and enjoyed knitting as well. Irene was a long time member of the Dabney Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 4th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Michael Bell of the Dabney Baptist Church and Rev. Frank McGee of the North Madison Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Dabney Baptist Church or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Wilma B. Patterson, 93, of Versailles passed away Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Sun Coast Hospice Center in Pinellas Park, Florida. She was born at Jefferson in Green County, Pennsylvania on July 10, 1922 the daughter of William and Carra Hill Bennett. She was married to Oliver S. Patterson on September 5, 1946 and he preceded her in death on June 1, 2001. Survivors include three daughters Judy Sanders of Versailles, Janice (Roger) Skinner of Indianapolis, and Sue (Gus) Dunker of Madison; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother Ewing Bennett of Tucson, Arizona. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Robert Bennett and William Bennett, and her son-in-law Archie Sanders. She graduated from the Washington Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, Pennsylvania and was inducted into the US Army on July 1, 1944 where she rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant with the Army Nurses Corp of the 193rd General Hospital in Verdun, France. For her service in WWII she received the WWII Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. She was discharged from the service on March 8, 1946 and in civilian life worked as a registered nurse at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. Wilma was a member of the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles where she participated in United Methodist Women’s group. She was also a member of the Versailles American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Home Art home ec club, the former Fortnightly Study Club in Versailles, and enjoyed playing bridge in the Osgood and Versailles clubs. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 16th at 11am at the Tyson United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Dixon officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Friday from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tyson United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Phyllis A. Furlow, 83,of Holton passed away at 3:20am Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the Waters in Batesville. She was born near Columbus on August 17, 1932 the daughter of Alva and Addie Zeigler Tripp. Survivors include one daughter Carol Sue (Steve) Owens of Madison; three sons Gary (Martha) Furlow of Versailles, Dennis Furlow and Tom Furlow both of Holton; 9 grandchildren; one sister Marguerite (Melvin) Powers of Batesville. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son Larry Furlow. Mrs. Furlow was a former employee of US Shoe in Osgood and had also worked at the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center in Butlerville, Res-Care, and Hillenbrand Industries in Batesville. Phyllis’ wishes were to be cremated and a memorial graveside service will be held at 11am Saturday, January 23rd at the New Marion Cemetery.
Lovell Lee Raffignone, 89, of Elrod passed away at 4:20am Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born near Milan on March 17, 1926 the son of Ernest and Marie Rupp Raffignone and spent his entire life in the Elrod community. He was married to Mary Johnson on June 24 1950 and she preceded him in death on February 22, 2005. Survivors include one son Rev. Ron (Denise) Raffignone of Waynetown; one daughter Kathy (Doug) Beam of Moores Hill; three grandchildren Lori Sullivan of Elrod, Mandy Raffignone of Waynetown, and Jeremy Stevens of Birmingham, Michigan; three great-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandson; one brother Lowell (Kay) Raffignone of Dillsboro. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Erma Eaglin, and his grandson Ryan Craig. Mr. Raffignone was a 1944 graduate of Versailles High School. He was an Army veteran of WWII having served as a mechanic with the 11th Airborne Division and was in the battle of Luzon. He received marksman status with a rifle, received the parachutist badge, two overseas service bars, Asiatic Pacific Theatre ribbon with one bronze star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. Mr. Raffignone was a farmer and had owned and operated a John Deere dealership in Elrod beginning in 1958 and took up full time farming in 1965. He was named the Ripley County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1999. Even at age 89 he still farmed his land and was planning his spring planting for this year. Lovell Lee was a member of the Versailles American Legion and was a 70 year member of the Washington Baptist Church at Elrod. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 11th at 11am at the Washington Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Dempsey officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Washington Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Marilyn Plowman, 74, of Napoleon passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at her home. She was born in Greensburg on June 5, 1941 the daughter of Forest and Goldie Gaunt Roszell. She was married to Raymond Plowman and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2010. Survivors include one son Lincoln (Christine) Plowman of Indianapolis; three daughters Ruth Kieffer of Osgood, Lynda (Craig) Wright of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Bobbie (Chris) Howlett of Milan; five grandchildren; one sister Naomi Tellas of Greensburg. Mrs. Plowman was a homemaker and had also worked as a cook and in laundry at the Heritage House in Greensburg. Marilyn’s wishes were to be cremated and services will be held at the convenience of the family with the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles in charge of arrangements.
Charles W. Denny, 85, of Cross Plains passed away at 3:30am Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born near Canaan in Jefferson County on April 24, 1930 the son of Gayle and Lillian Vestal Denny. He was married to Phyllis Schwartz on June 11, 1952 and she preceded him in death on December 26, 1999. He was married to Joyce Kinkey on June 25, 2005 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Greg (Jackie) Denny of Versailles; two daughters Mary Elizabeth Laswell of Indianapolis and Donna (Ralph) Stenger of Versailles; three step-sons Mike (Roseanna) Kissell of Milan, Timothy (Betty) Kissell of Olean, and Pat Kissell of Versailles; one step-daughter Kathleen (Phillip) Parker of Marietta, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 9 step-great-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren; one sister Virginia Jester of Vevay. He was also preceded in death by his son Gayle Douglas Denny, his parents, and his sister Delta Cahall. Mr. Denny was a 30 year employee of Wood Farm Supply in Versailles where he worked as parts and service manager retiring in 2007. He had also been employed with the Versailles Implement Company in Olean and was a former owner of a Massey Ferguson dealership in Carrollton, Kentucky. Charlie was an Army veteran of the Korean War and Massey Ferguson tractors were his pastime. He was also a farmer and had attended the Cross Plains Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 2nd at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Doug Norman officiating. Burial will be in the Hebron Cemetery near Madison. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Hebron Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
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